Getting from Hilton Atlanta to the Georgia World Congress Center: A Local’s Guide

If you’re staying at Hilton Atlanta and need to get to the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), you’re in a good spot. These two major Atlanta destinations are close to each other in Downtown Atlanta, and you have several easy ways to travel between them—whether you’re headed to a convention, trade show, concert, or game.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to every practical option, what to expect, and how to choose the best route for your schedule, budget, and comfort.

Key Facts at a Glance

Hilton Atlanta
255 Courtland St NE
Atlanta, GA 30303

Georgia World Congress Center
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

These two locations are about 1 to 1.2 miles apart, depending on your route. For most people, that’s:

• 5–10 minutes by car or rideshare
• 15–25 minutes on foot
• About 10–15 minutes using MARTA (including walking time)

Main Ways to Travel from Hilton Atlanta to the Georgia World Congress Center

1. Walking: Simple and Scenic (Weather Permitting)

Walking is often the most straightforward way to get from Hilton Atlanta to GWCC, especially during the day or early evening.

Typical walking time: 15–25 minutes, depending on pace and route.

Common walking route basics

From Hilton Atlanta (Courtland St NE area), most walkers will:

1. Head south or west toward Peachtree Center or Peachtree Street.
2. Continue toward Centennial Olympic Park and State Farm Arena / Mercedes-Benz Stadium area.
3. Enter the Georgia World Congress Center campus from Andrew Young International Blvd NW or Marietta St NW side.

You’ll likely pass:

• Downtown hotels and office buildings
• Peachtree Center area (food courts, shops, offices)
• The Centennial Olympic Park district (a central landmark between downtown and GWCC)

Pros of walking:

• 💸 No cost
• No need to deal with traffic or parking
• Easy to adjust your route if streets are crowded
• Good option during big events when roads are congested

Things to keep in mind:

• Summer heat and humidity in Atlanta can be intense; bring water if you’re walking midday.
• Plan extra time if you’re walking with luggage or work materials.
• Nighttime events: many people walk in groups along main streets; staying on well-lit, busier routes is usually more comfortable.

2. MARTA: Using Atlanta’s Rail System

If you prefer public transit, MARTA rail can connect you from near Hilton Atlanta to near the Georgia World Congress Center.

Step-by-step MARTA option

1. Walk to Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold Line)

   • About a 5–10 minute walk from Hilton Atlanta.
   • Located around Peachtree St NE and Forsyth St NE area, in the Peachtree Center complex.

2. Ride MARTA westbound to GWCC area:

   • Take a westbound train on the Blue or Green Line by transferring at Five Points Station if needed.
   • Your destination is typically:
     • Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
       – This station serves the Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, and CNN Center area.

3. Walk from the station to GWCC:

   • Follow station signs for GWCC or Dome/GWCC exits.
   • You’ll come out onto the Georgia World Congress Center campus or very close to it.
   • Walking time from station to most GWCC buildings is about 5–10 minutes, depending on which building (A, B, or C).

Approximate total time: 10–20 minutes (walk + train + station exit).

Why choose MARTA:

• 🚆 Often faster than driving during rush hour or during major events.
• Avoids parking costs at GWCC.
• Good choice if you’re already using MARTA from the airport or other parts of Atlanta.

Tips for MARTA use in this corridor:

• Trains generally run more frequently during weekday rush hours and during large downtown events.
• If you’re unfamiliar with MARTA, station attendants and posted maps can help you confirm you’re heading to the Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center stop.

3. Rideshare or Taxi: Fast and Direct

Uber, Lyft, and taxis are widely used between Hilton Atlanta and the Georgia World Congress Center.

Typical drive time: 5–10 minutes in normal traffic.
During big events or rush hour: 15–20+ minutes is possible.

How this usually works

• Pickup at Hilton Atlanta:
  • Most drivers will meet you at the main entrance on Courtland St NE or a designated hotel pickup area.
• Drop-off at or near GWCC:
  • For Georgia World Congress Center, drivers often drop passengers near:
    • Andrew Young International Blvd NW entrances
    • Marietta St NW side
    • Or a rideshare zone designated for specific events

If you’re going to a specific hall or building (A, B, or C), it helps to:

• Check your event materials for the building name.
• Tell your driver something like “Building C at Georgia World Congress Center” so they can choose the closest drop-off.

Pros:

• 🚗 Door-to-door convenience
• Helpful if you’re carrying large bags, booth materials, or presentation equipment.
• Reduces walking distance, especially in bad weather.

Considerations:

• Surge pricing can apply during large conventions, concerts, or sports events at nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena.
• Traffic around GWCC can be slow when events are starting or ending. Plan a buffer if you’re on a schedule.

4. Driving Yourself: Parking at GWCC

If you have a car or rental vehicle, you can drive from Hilton Atlanta to the Georgia World Congress Center.

Driving distance: About 1 mile, depending on the route.
Typical drive time: 5–10 minutes in light traffic.

Basic driving approach

From the Hilton Atlanta area:

1. Head west toward downtown and follow signs for:
   • Centennial Olympic Park
   • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
   • State Farm Arena
   • Or Georgia World Congress Center
2. You’ll typically approach GWCC from:
   • Andrew Young International Blvd NW
   • Marietta St NW
   • Or nearby streets around the stadium and State Farm Arena.

Parking at or near GWCC

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority manages multiple parking decks and surface lots around the campus. These are commonly used for:

• Major trade shows and conventions
• Stadium events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Arena events at State Farm Arena

Options often include:

• Red Deck, Silver Deck, or Yellow Deck (names used around the stadium/GWCC campus)
• Other nearby public parking garages in the Centennial Olympic Park area

What to expect:

• Event days can cause higher parking demand and possibly event-specific pricing.
• Some large events encourage pre-purchased parking through official channels.
• It can take additional time to walk from your parking deck or lot to your specific GWCC building.

Best for:

• Travelers with equipment or displays who need to transport items.
• Groups sharing one vehicle.
• Those combining GWCC with other destinations further from downtown.

Comparing Your Options

Here’s a quick side-by-side overview to help you choose:

Navigating the Georgia World Congress Center Once You Arrive

The Georgia World Congress Center is a large complex divided primarily into Building A, Building B, and Building C, along with additional meeting spaces and connections to nearby facilities.

When traveling from Hilton Atlanta:

• Double-check your event confirmation to see:
  • Building letter (A, B, or C)
  • Floor or hall number (e.g., Exhibit Hall B1)
  • Specific entrance recommendations
• Allow extra time the first time you visit, as the campus is large and can be busy.

If you’re unsure where to go:

• Look for information desks inside the main GWCC entry areas.
• Event staff and security personnel around entrances can typically point you to the correct hall or building.

Safety, Timing, and Local Tips

A few Atlanta-specific considerations when going from Hilton Atlanta to the Georgia World Congress Center:

• Rush hours:
  Weekday mornings and late afternoons can significantly slow driving and rideshare. Walking or MARTA can be more predictable at these times.

• Big event days:
  When there’s a Falcons game, Atlanta United match, major concert, or large convention, the area around GWCC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and State Farm Arena becomes very busy.

  • Build in extra time for any mode of travel.
  • Consider walking at least part of the way to avoid traffic bottlenecks.

• Weather:
  Atlanta is hot and humid in summer, with occasional afternoon storms. In winter, temperatures are usually mild but can be chilly at night.

  • If rain is in the forecast, rideshare or MARTA can be more comfortable than walking.

• Accessibility:

  • Both Hilton Atlanta and GWCC offer accessibility features, including elevators and ramped entrances.
  • MARTA stations serving this route are designed to accommodate travelers with mobility devices, though it can help to allow a bit of extra time to navigate elevators and platforms.

When to Choose Each Mode

Choose walking if:

• You’re traveling light.
• Weather is reasonable.
• You don’t mind a 15–25 minute walk through downtown.

Choose MARTA if:

• You want to avoid traffic and parking.
• You’re comfortable with a short walk to and from stations.
• You prefer a low-cost, predictable option.

Choose rideshare or taxi if:

• You’re carrying equipment or formal wear.
• You’re traveling with colleagues or family and want a shared ride.
• You’re leaving or arriving late at night and prefer door-to-door service.

Choose driving if:

• You already have a rental or personal vehicle.
• You need to transport bulky items.
• You’re combining GWCC with other stops around metro Atlanta.

Traveling from Hilton Atlanta to the Georgia World Congress Center is straightforward once you understand your options and how Atlanta’s downtown layout works. With the right choice for your schedule, budget, and comfort level, you can get between these two key destinations smoothly and focus on your event, not the commute.